Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, on hand as Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, on hand as Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation ... more

Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy chat during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy chat during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a ... more

Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, addresses the crowd as Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, addresses the crowd as Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in ... more

Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, addresses the crowd as Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, addresses the crowd as Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in ... more

Congressman Chris Murphy addresses the audience flanked by Congressman Jim Himes, Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace,, and State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Chris Murphy addresses the audience flanked by Congressman Jim Himes, Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace,, and State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg during a press conference in Westport, ... more

Congressman Chris Murphy addresses the audience flanked by Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Chris Murphy addresses the audience flanked by Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in ... more

Congressman Chris Murphy addresses the audience flanked by Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Chris Murphy addresses the audience flanked by Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in ... more

Congressman Chris Murphy addresses the audience flanked by Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Chris Murphy addresses the audience flanked by Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in ... more

Congressman Chris Murphy addresses the audience flanked by Congressman Jim Himes, Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg and Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Chris Murphy addresses the audience flanked by Congressman Jim Himes, Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg and Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff ... more

Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy and Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, attend a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy and Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, attend a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation ... more

Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy host a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy host a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter ... more

Congressman Jim Himes greets constituents as he and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Jim Himes greets constituents as he and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press ... more

Congressman Jim Himes is introduced by Don Schubert, President of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association as Congressman Chris Murphy, Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace and State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg applaud during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Jim Himes is introduced by Don Schubert, President of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association as Congressman Chris Murphy, Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace and State Rep. ... more

Congressman Jim Himes speaks as David Kooris, Vice President of the Regional Plan Association, Congressman Chris Murphy, Don Schubert, President of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace and State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg listen during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Jim Himes speaks as David Kooris, Vice President of the Regional Plan Association, Congressman Chris Murphy, Don Schubert, President of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, Joe ... more

Congressman Jim Himes speaks Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace and State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg listen during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Jim Himes speaks Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace and State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg listen during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to ... more

Congressman Jim Himes speaks as Congressman Chris Murphy, Don Schubert, President of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace and State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg listen during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Jim Himes speaks as Congressman Chris Murphy, Don Schubert, President of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace and State Rep. Jonathan ... more

Congressman Jim Himes addresses the crowd as he and Congressman Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Jim Himes addresses the crowd as he and Congressman Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The ... more

David Kooris, Vice President of the Regional Plan Association, Congressman Chris Murphy, Congressman Jim Himes, Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg and Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff take questions during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

David Kooris, Vice President of the Regional Plan Association, Congressman Chris Murphy, Congressman Jim Himes, Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg and Westport First ... more

Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff takes questions as David Kooris, Vice President of the Regional Plan Association, Congressman Chris Murphy, Congressman Jim Himes, Don Schubert, President of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace and State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg listen during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff takes questions as David Kooris, Vice President of the Regional Plan Association, Congressman Chris Murphy, Congressman Jim Himes, Don Schubert, President of the ... more

Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff takes questions as David Kooris, Vice President of the Regional Plan Association, Congressman Chris Murphy, Congressman Jim Himes, Don Schubert, President of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace and State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg listen during a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff takes questions as David Kooris, Vice President of the Regional Plan Association, Congressman Chris Murphy, Congressman Jim Himes, Don Schubert, President of the ... more

Congressman Chris Murphy attends a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Chris Murphy attends a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of ... more

Congressman Jim Himes attends a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Jim Himes attends a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of ... more

Congressman Jim Himes greets Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, before Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Jim Himes greets Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, before Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in ... more

Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy chat after holding a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy chat after holding a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held ... more

Congressman Jim Himes speaks with Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, before Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Jim Himes speaks with Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, before Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in ... more

Congressman Jim Himes speaks with Peter Carroll, President of the Fairfield County Building Trades, before Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Jim Himes speaks with Peter Carroll, President of the Fairfield County Building Trades, before Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the ... more

Congressman Jim Himes on hand as he and fellow Congressman Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Jim Himes on hand as he and fellow Congressman Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press ... more

Congressman Chris Murphy during a press conference he and Congressman Jim Himes hosted in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Chris Murphy during a press conference he and Congressman Jim Himes hosted in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press ... more

Congressman Jim Himes and Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, listen as Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Jim Himes and Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, listen as Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in ... more

Congressman Jim Himes and Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, on hand as Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Congressman Jim Himes and Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, on hand as Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in ... more

Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, right, and Don Shubert, President of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, chat as Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference in Westport, Conn., February 20, 2012 , to discuss the need to invest in transportation infrastructure. The press conference was held in a commuter lot off of I-95 on Saugatuck Avenue, the highway crosses over the avenue by way of a structurally deficient bridge. less

Joe Carbone, President and CEO of the WorkPlace, right, and Don Shubert, President of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, chat as Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy hold a press conference ... more

Himes said funding legislation will provide financing to repair the heavily traveled bridge over Saugatuck Avenue at exit 17 on Interstate 95, which carries more than 130,000 vehicles a day and is rated structurally deficient by state bridge inspectors.

"Nobody should have to drive their kids over or under a structurally deficient bridge," Himes said. "... That should not happen in the U.S.A."

Flanked by representatives of the state's construction trade, local officials, and others, Himes and U.S. Rep. Christopher Murphy, D-Conn., appeared under the Saugatuck Bridge to urge congressional approval of increased infrastructure investment to create construction jobs and gain safety and efficiency of the highway and transit networks in the state.

The most recent extension of the Surface Transportation Infrastructure Reauthorization Act, which expired in September 2009, will run out March 31.

Officials at the event focused on Connecticut's large number of aging bridges as an important transportation priority.

While Fairfield County has a significant number of structurally deficient bridges, as classified by the state Department of Transportation, DOT officials say the classification doesn't signify a threat of failure, but that repairs are required to reduce the load capacity called for in initial design.

The average age of state bridges is 47.2 years, according to the DOT.

Himes said a lack of transportation investment is prolonging a deep trough in the state's construction market, even as pressing work needs to be completed.

"I hope you get a chance to talk to the electricians, carpenters and others here because their stories will bring tears to your eyes," Himes said.

Himes and Murphy said they both will vote against a current Republican-backed two-year spending plan coming to a House vote in the next few weeks.

Murphy said he expected the legislation to falter in the Senate; if approved it would result in a $400 million dip in highway and transit capital funding for Connecticut over a five-year period.

"That would mean dozens, if not hundreds of projects that won't get done and about 12,000 jobs the state could have had," Murphy said.

David Kooris, vice president of the Regional Plan Association, told the crowd that establishing a firm set of long-range projects has been stalled because of the lack of certainty about funding levels over a five- or six-year period. Congress has approved six-month extensions of the previous version of the surface transportation bill after it expired in 2009.

"We work on a three- to five-year horizon," he said. "At this location, you see both I-95 and the New Haven Line and we can't plan for roads and transit separately."

In a difficult economy, the slow-down in municipal, state and private construction work has kept many tradespeople unemployed.

Since March 2008, the number of construction jobs in Connecticut has shrunk from 68,100 to 50,600.